Eagles DE Taylor Hart

Scouting Report:

Hart provides the Eagles coaches with some familiarity as he played for Chip Kelly and assistant coach Jerry Azzinaro at the University of Oregon. He has ideal size standing 6'6" and 281 lbs. but was slow running a 5.00 40-yard dash.

At the University of Oregon, Hart showed the ability to be a disruptive pass-rusher. He lacks ideal top-end speed and the burst at the line of scrimmage but is a physical player. He uses his hands and flashes power moves off the edge while also showing the ability to slide inside. Hart isn't overly explosive but he shows the ability to get his hands up in passing lanes.

The 23-year-old is much better against the run as he plays with great anticipation and flashes the ability to shed blockers in order to get to the ball-carrier. Hart uses his strength to hold his gorund and can set the edge to contain the runner. For a guy his size, Hart has solid range.

Fit with the Eagles:

The Eagles have had a tendency for the better part of the last decade to draft help along the offensive and defensive line. Hart is another example of that philosophy. It is no secret Kelly has a penchant for signing and drafting players from his Pac-12 days while coaching at Oregon. Again, Hart is another example.

Kelly was said to be so high on Hart that he wanted to take him in the third round but general manager reportedly assured Kelly he would be available in the fifth round. Instead, the Eagles selected fellow Oregon Duck Josh Huff in the third round and then grabbed Hart in the fifth round.

Hart was in Philadelphia for a meeting with the Eagles and also played for Kelly and Azzinaro which helped his cause. Philadelphia embraces high-motor players (Connor Barwin) and Hart fits the mold. He projects and a 5-technique in the 3-4 defense but can also play left end in a 4-3 defense.